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Analyzing Intra-person Variation: Hybridizing the ACE Model with P-Technique Factor Analysis and the Idiographic Filter

Behavior Genetics volume 40, pages 776–783 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Integrating idiographic and nomothetic approaches to the study of behavior has met with success via the idiographic filter (IF) which separates irrelevant inter-individual differences from relevant inter-individual similarities at the level of construct measurement in order to facilitate drawing conclusions regarding nomothetic relationships among the constructs. We propose an integration of the IF and the ACE behavior genetics models through the use of P-technique factor analysis and its dynamic factor analysis extensions and examine how it can strengthen the modeling of genetic and environmental effects in behavioral data representing intra-person variation, change, and process.

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Notes

  1. P-technique and dynamic factor modeling are focused on phenotypic systems (not just phenotypic variables) and are approaches that match well with G. E. McClearn’s long and productive career involving systems approaches in behavior genetics.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by R21 Grant AG034284-01 from the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health (USA) and National Science Foundation Grant 0852147.

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Affiliations

  1. The University of Virginia, Charlottesville , VA, USA

    John R. Nesselroade

  2. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Peter C. M. Molenaar

Authors
  1. John R. Nesselroade
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  2. Peter C. M. Molenaar
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Correspondence to John R. Nesselroade.

Additional information

Edited by George Vogler.

Prepared for a special issue of Behavior Genetics honoring Gerald E. McClearn

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Nesselroade, J.R., Molenaar, P.C.M. Analyzing Intra-person Variation: Hybridizing the ACE Model with P-Technique Factor Analysis and the Idiographic Filter. Behav Genet 40, 776–783 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-010-9373-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-010-9373-x

Keywords

  • Intraindividual variability
  • Process
  • Idiographic filter
  • ACE model